Houston and Alberta Urban Municipalities Association President Barry Morishita during their media availability. The pair said one of the key issues facing urban communities is consistent funding for projects.Evan J. Pretzer

Spruce Grove and other cities in Alberta could lose out on potential funding if the government does not act.

This was the message Alberta Urban Municipalities Association President Barry Morishita and Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston had during a media availability Sunday. Morishita is on his annual tour of member municipalities across the province. He said one issue he has heard from many of them on is concern related to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative and its ultimate future as a source of project funding.

It launched in 2007 and allocates money for roadways and bridges, water systems, public transit and recreation and sport facilities in communities. This year the program is providing nearly a half-billion dollars on an interim basis until a decision is made on whether it will be renewed by the government during the budgeting process in October.

“You need some predictability around funding,” Morishita said. “We do recognize there are issues around deficits. We want to work with the province and be part of a solution. That might mean we have to stretch some things out and that is fine as long as we are able to know.”

Spruce Grove receives more than $7 million each year from the policy. It has helped pay for a portion of the new fire hall, public works buildings and may be used for the proposed multi-million dollar new arena project council is presently debating. Houston did say larger cities have a deal with the province that reduces their funds 20 per cent over the course of a decade. This would be a less direct impact, but could still hinder planned projects.

“That is a lot of money for Spruce Grove,” Houston said.

More power

The issue the pair were more optimistic on was the government giving greater local decision-making ability to communities. Local policy generated controversy with rules for municipal photo radar coming under review in 2018. Morishita did not address this controversial piece of direct decision making. He did note that through efficiency, it is likely the new government may delegate more in order to reduce costs.

Houston and Alberta Urban Municipalities Association President Barry Morishita during their media availability. The pair said one of the key issues facing urban communities is consistent funding for projects.Evan J. Pretzer

“Are there better ways to deliver services?” he asked. “Can the province and the community save money? We are beginning to have that conversation. We are applauding them for that and it is something that the AUMA has pursued. Where are constituents best served?”

Houston did not say he was looking for more specific city power, but instead, increased collaboration on key services.

“One of the biggest for this region is the development of senior affordable housing and senior care facilities,” he said. “We are willing to step up with local foundations and build on to the need in the province for these. We want them to realize what we need their assistance with.”

Morishita has said in reports he does ultimately foresee cost cuts. He intends to seek another term of office once his ends in September and, in the future, will work to ensure a more sustainable and predictable amount of funding will be available to the communities he represents.